Spina bifida

Description

A condition that happens when a baby's spine and spinal cord don't form properly.

Overview

In spina bifida, the spine and spinal cord of an unborn baby don't form as usual. As a baby develops during pregnancy, the neural tube becomes the brain, spinal cord and tissues that enclose them. In babies with spina bifida, a part of the neural tube doesn't close all the way. Spina bifida can range from mild to serious.

Symptoms

In serious cases, a fluid-filled sac may form on the baby's back. This sac may be filled with spinal nerves. It may affect bladder and bowel function and cause weakness or movement issues in the legs. Also, fluid may build up in the brain. In mild cases there may not be symptoms. A tuft of hair, dimple or birthmark may show on the back instead.

Treatments

Tests often can diagnose spina bifida before birth, but some babies are diagnosed right after birth. Sometimes surgery to repair the spinal cord is done while the baby is still in the womb. Other times, surgery is done within 72 hours of birth. Ongoing treatment may still be needed to support movement, the bladder and bowels, and fluid drainage.